Friday Favorites — October Week Two Edition

🎉 Friday Favorites — October Week Two Edition

It’s Friday, friends — and you know what that means: time to dish on all the little things making life extra sweet this week!

 

We made it to Friday, friends! 🙌 Whether your week was a blur of carpools and deadlines or a cozy stretch of pumpkin‑spice everything, I’ve rounded up the little joys that made my days brighter — and I can’t wait to share them with you. This week’s favorites are all about comfort, fun finds, and those small‑but‑mighty things that make everyday life feel a little more special.

 

🍲 Food Favorite — Creamy Jalapeño Soup

 

This week’s food crush is Creamy Jalapeño Soup — warm, velvety, and just the right amount of spicy to wake up your taste buds. It’s the kind of soup that feels indulgent but still light enough to enjoy as a starter or a cozy main with crusty bread on the side. The jalapeños bring a gentle kick (not a five‑alarm fire, promise!), while the creamy base makes it smooth and comforting. Perfect for chilly nights when you want something a little different from the usual chicken noodle.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you top your bowl with shredded cheese and tortilla strips, or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of cilantro?

 

👗 Fashion Favorite — Cozy Oversized Cardigans

 

 

This week’s fashion crush? Oversized cardigans — the kind you can throw over leggings, jeans, or even a dress and instantly feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you’re just hiding the fact that you’re still in your PJs underneath). They’re soft, they’re slouchy, and they come in all the dreamy fall colors — think pumpkin spice orange, deep burgundy, and creamy oatmeal. Bonus: they double as a blanket when you’re “just resting your eyes” on the couch.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “cardigan as outerwear” or team “cardigan strictly for couch snuggles”?

 

🛍 Fun Find — Magnetic Spice Jars

 

This week I finally tried those magnetic spice jars that stick right to the side of your fridge. Game. Changer. No more digging through a cabinet avalanche of paprika and cumin. Plus, they look so cute lined up like a rainbow.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you alphabetize your spices, or is it more of a “treasure hunt” system in your kitchen?

 

📺 Family/Entertainment Favorites — What We’re Watching Right Now

• Hocus Pocus 2 (Disney+): Because October isn’t complete without a little Sanderson sister magic.
• Dancing With the Stars (Disney+): Glitter, drama, and the perfect background show while folding laundry.
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu): A little mystery, a little comedy, and a whole lot of fun — plus, it’s family‑friendly enough for older teens.
• Hotel Transylvania (Prime Video): Animated, silly, and perfect for a family movie night with popcorn and blankets.
• Harry Potter Movie Marathon (Max): Nothing says fall like rewatching the magic of Hogwarts with the whole family.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you lean into spooky‑fun shows in October, or stick with cozy comfort rewatches?

 

✨ Faith/Feel‑Good Favorite — Gratitude Walks

This week I’ve been sneaking in short walks where I list three things I’m grateful for. Sometimes it’s big (family, health), sometimes it’s tiny (hot chocolate, crunchy leaves). It’s such a simple practice, but it shifts my whole mindset.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you practice gratitude daily, or only when life feels overwhelming?

🎯 Weekend Challenge — The “One Drawer Declutter” Challenge

This weekend, I challenge you to pick one drawer (yes, just one!) and give it a quick declutter. Junk drawer, bathroom drawer, nightstand — doesn’t matter. It’s amazing how tackling one small space can make you feel like you’ve conquered the world.

💬 Reader prompt: Which drawer in your house is the scariest right now?

🛒 Grocery Hack — Pre‑Chopped Veggie Packs

I know, I know — they cost a little more. But this week, grabbing a bag of pre‑chopped onions and peppers saved me so much time on busy nights. Sometimes convenience is worth every penny.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you chop everything fresh, or do you embrace the shortcut life?

 

🛒 Trader Joe’s Favorite — Maple Brown Butter Almonds

This week’s Trader Joe’s obsession? Maple Brown Butter Almonds. These little gems are roasted California almonds coated in a maple‑brown butter glaze and dusted with cocoa powder and maple sugar. Translation: they taste like a cozy pancake breakfast in snack form. They’re crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent — perfect for tossing into yogurt, sprinkling over ice cream, or (let’s be real) eating straight out of the bag.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you snack on these straight from the bag, or use them to jazz up a fall dessert?

 

📚 Book/Podcast Favorite — “The Lazy Genius Podcast”

This podcast has been my go‑to while driving this week. Kendra Adachi shares practical tips for simplifying life without losing the fun. It’s like having a wise, funny friend in your earbuds.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you listen to podcasts while driving, cleaning, or working out?

 

💕 Currently Loving

Because sometimes it’s the little things that make the week feel extra sweet:

Target’s $5 fall mugs — because hot chocolate tastes better in a cute mug.

 

Apple cider candles — instant cozy vibes.

Fuzzy socks — the official uniform of October.

 

Spotify’s “Cozy Autumn Jazz” playlist — the soundtrack to my evenings.

Mini pumpkins on the kitchen counter — tiny, but they make me smile every time I walk by.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s one little thing making your week brighter?

 

📝 Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on this week’s Friday Favorites! From crispy chicken to pumpkin brioche, it’s the little joys that make the week feel special. I’d love to hear what’s on your favorites list right now — because this series is all about sharing and building our little corner of community joy.

💬 Reader prompt: Should I add a “Reader Pick” section next week where I feature one of YOUR favorites?